Which Ford Explorer gets the best mileage?
Among current Explorer variants, the Hybrid model offers the best mileage, typically around 28 mpg combined (roughly 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway in recent years). Gas-only trims sit in the low-to-mid 20s, with the 3.0L EcoBoost being the least efficient. The following breakdown explains how each powertrain stacks up and what to expect in everyday use.
How mileage breaks down by powertrain
The Explorer lineup includes a gas-only 2.3L EcoBoost I4, a higher-output 3.0L EcoBoost V6 for certain trims, and a Hybrid variant available since 2020. Each system carries different EPA estimates, and real-world results vary with drivetrain and year.
Gas-powered options
Gas-only Explorers come in two main engines. The economy-oriented 2.3L EcoBoost is more efficient, while the 3.0L EcoBoost uses more energy. Drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD) also affects efficiency, with FWD typically edging out AWD slightly in fuel economy.
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4, rear-wheel drive (RWD): roughly 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway; about 24 mpg combined on average.
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4, all-wheel drive (AWD): roughly 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway; about 23–24 mpg combined.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (usually AWD on higher trims): roughly 18–19 mpg city / 23–24 mpg highway; about 20–21 mpg combined.
Numbers vary by model year and configuration; check the EPA window sticker or official ratings for the exact vehicle you’re considering.
Hybrid option
The Explorer Hybrid delivers the best mileage, with typical EPA ratings in recent years around 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, about 28 mpg combined. Drivetrain differences (FWD vs AWD) yield small variations, but the hybrid remains the lineup’s efficiency leader.
- Explorer Hybrid (FWD): about 27 mpg city / 29 mpg highway; around 28 mpg combined.
- Explorer Hybrid (AWD): about 26–27 mpg city / 28–29 mpg highway; around 28 mpg combined.
These figures can shift slightly with each new model year as engineering updates roll out.
Real-world factors and how to maximize mileage
Official EPA ratings provide baseline estimates, but real-world mileage depends on driving conditions, load, terrain, and maintenance. Here are practical tips to get the most from any Explorer.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and perform regular maintenance (oil changes, air filters, etc.).
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, maintain steady speeds, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Lighten the load: remove unnecessary roof racks and cargo that add drag and weight.
- Use Eco or similar driving modes if available; these can optimize throttle response and transmission shifts for efficiency.
- Plan trips to maximize highway driving and minimize stop-and-go city driving, especially on hybrids where electric-assisted driving aids efficiency more in urban conditions.
Ultimately, mileage will hinge on your typical usage. For those who spend a lot of time in urban driving, the Hybrid usually pays off, while highway-only driving may yield comparable results between certain gas models.
Is there a plug-in Explorer or other options?
As of 2024–2025, Ford offers a non-plug-in Explorer Hybrid, with no widely available plug-in hybrid variant in the Explorer lineup. Buyers prioritizing the best mileage should gravitate toward the Hybrid, while those who regularly drive long highway trips may still find value in the efficient gas options depending on their speeds and routes. Always verify current availability and ratings for the exact year and trim you’re considering.
Note: Model-year changes can adjust efficiency figures; consult the latest EPA ratings and dealer specifications for the precise configuration.
Summary
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is the mileage leader in the lineup, delivering the strongest overall fuel economy in typical mixed driving. Gas-only models, especially with the 3.0L EcoBoost, trend toward lower mpg. If mileage is the top priority, the hybrid variant offers the clearest path to better efficiency, with numbers commonly around 28 mpg combined in recent years. Always check the current EPA ratings for the exact year and drivetrain you’re eyeing, as figures shift modestly with updates and new configurations.
